Different Types of Dental Crowns
When you have a smile that's healthy, all of the teeth are strong and they all look great as well. Tooth decay and tooth injury can take a toll on your smile, however, both in terms of dental aesthetics and dental health. That's why it's so important to meet with skilled cosmetic dentistry experts to learn more about all of your options for effective dental care treatment. For serious issues with damage or decay, the best option for treatment tends to be dental crowns.
About Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are caps that are fixed onto the teeth following major injury or severe decay. Dental crowns will restore the strength of the tooth and prevent any discomfort or sensitivity that was related to injury and decay. Dental crowns are the last restoration option that can save a tooth from necessary extraction.
Ideal Candidates for Dental Crowns
The best candidates for dental crowns are people who have experience serious damage or decay to their teeth. Your dentist will strive to ensure that other restoration options are considered first before dental crowns. You see, working more conservatively using dental fillings, inalys, or onlays will help a patient retain more of his or her natural tooth structure, which is more ideal in the long run. Your dental health history will be taken into account when determining the best option or options for care.
Why are there different kinds of dental crowns?
Different kinds of dental crowns exist in order to address the diverse needs of patients. Each tooth in the mouth serves a different purpose for chewing, and so when a tooth is restored, the right crown material must be used to allow the dental crown to function effective in the mouth.
Types of Dental Crowns
The different types of dental crowns are as follows:
- All-Porcelain Dental Crowns - These kinds of dental crowns are the most natural-looking, though they can cause damage to teeth on the opposite dental arch. These porcelain crowns tend to be best for the front teeth.
- Metal Dental Crowns - These kinds of dental crowns are made of soft alloys so that they do not damage nearby teeth or opposite teeth. They are the sturdiest kinds of dental crowns, but tend to be used for the molars and other rear teeth due to their appearance.
- Porcelain on Metal Dental Crowns - These kinds of dental crowns have a soft metal core that's covered in porcelain to look totally natural. They can be used for the front or back teeth depending on dentist discretion.
Which type of dental crown is right for me?
When crafting the proper treatment, the dentist must consider the tooth being crowned, the adjacent teeth in the same dental arch, and the opposite teeth that come into contact with the crown in the opposite dental arch. By thinking of all of these issues, the best care can be provided and the right dental crown for you determined.
Learn More About Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry
If you would like to learn more about your many different options for treating tooth decay and tooth damage, be sure to contact our Doylestown cosmetic dentistry center today. The entire team looks forward to meeting you in person and helping you achieve the best care possible.